Government Affairs

As the leading advocate for the travel industry, ASTA’s Government Affairs department represents the rights of travel agents and the traveling public on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures. One of the most beneficial aspects of an ASTA membership is the lobbying effort on behalf of its members and using One Voice to advance the cause of the entire industry.

ASTA encourages all members to participate in the political process and help send clear, concise messages to Capitol Hill and state legislatures. With new communications technology, ASTA will easily connect members with lawmakers regarding important issues affecting the travel agent community while encouraging involvement in the legislative process.

The American Society of Travel Agents’ Political Action Committee (ASTAPAC) represents the collective voice of the Society’s travel agent membership before the United States Congress and the White House and has educated elected officials about travel agent issues and helped counterbalance opposing positions. ASTAPAC pools together individual financial contributions from members and are dispersed to those candidates whose views are consistent with ASTA on issues vital to the travel agent and tourism industry.

Upcoming Legislative Items Legislative Action Day 2008 Premium Members as well as ASTAPAC contributors are invited and encouraged to attend Legislative Action Day 2008   Quick Poll   Have you contacted one of your elected officials this past year regarding an issue of concern?   Yes No     indicates a required field

Recent Press Releases ASTA Announces the International Destination Expo 2008 — January 17, 2008 ASTA, Joint Appellants File Supporting Documentation — January 15, 2008 Great Deals on Travel to ASTA’s International Destination Expo — January 14, 2008 ASTA Announces Evening Events at the 2008 International Destination Expo — December 21, 2007 ASTA Responds to ARC Plan to Split Fixed-Fee Collection — December 20, 2007

New Documents

• Legislative Action: ASTA’s Guide to Participating in the Political Process — May 12, 2008
  Each year, numerous bills circulating through Congress and state legislatures are proposing more taxes on agency service fees, changes in business taxation, potential solutions for health care reform and many other policies affecting the livelihood of travel professionals. This detailed guide shows you many of the valuable ways you can participate in the policymaking process and influence positive change for the future of the travel industry.
  
  
• EnhancingPsgrProtectionsANPRMComments — January 24, 2008
  EnhancingPsgrProtectionsANPRMComments
  
  
• Denied Boarding ANPRM ASTA Comments — January 24, 2008
  Denied Boarding ANPRM ASTA Comments